Galway Harbour 2040
STW are working with the Galway Harbour Company on the Development Framework to transform the existing inner harbour lands into a high-density, walkable, zero-carbon district for urban living and working. The vision is to extend the city centre around the existing docks and reconnect it to Galway Bay with a new harbour waterfront, a variety of attractive public spaces, and walking and cycle routes that connect with the wider city. The proposed uses include a mix of residential apartments and a variety of work environments, for start-ups, scale-ups and firms locating to Galway. A range of visitor, cultural and leisure activities are proposed around and reusing the existing docks. The Development Framework supports National, Regional and City Planning Objectives to develop Galway as a compact, sustainable city by 2040.
Architecture
STW have planned and tested the development plot capacities using our extensive architectural experience on similar city centre projects.
Urban Design & Planning
STW’s work includes site analysis (including urban context, planning policy and development standards, physical and environmental constraints including flood), urban design and site infrastructure strategy, site development capacity options, overall massing studies, working with development consultants on viability modelling, Client and Stakeholder working sessions, preparation of reports and presentations.
Sustainability
The STW development framework responds to and addresses the current environmental challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss – it is based on creating a compact city, reusing brownfield land, and minimising environmental impact. The development framework includes principles for sustainable flood management to counter tidal surges and increased rainfall events, and for nature and biodiversity to be integrated throughout to benefit people’s health and wellbeing. The development framework also includes principles to minimise both embodied and operational carbon, by avoiding environmentally costly basements, using sustainable construction materials and methods, minimising energy requirements, and provides flexibility for predicted changing mobility patterns, including reduction in car ownership in favour of shared e-mobility during the implementation period.
